Bob Leverone/The Associated PressCarolina's Jonathan Stewart -- a former Oregon running back -- scored a touchdown for the Panthers during their victory over New Orleans in Charlotte, N.C.

Former UO running back Jonathan Stewart hauled in a 17-yard touchdown catch for the Carolina Panthers ... but not to be outdone backup tight end Dante Rosario, a former Dayton High School and UO standout, scored three touchdowns in San Diego's 38-10 win over Tennessee.

Stewart's TD helped the Panthers (1-1) pile up 463 yards offense in the 35-27 win over New Orleans, heavy-duty momentum they hope to keep going Thursday night against the New York Giants.

In San Diego, the Chargers are 2-0 for the first time in six seasons under coach Norv Turner, thanks to Rosario.

Four years ago, Rosario caught a game-winning touchdown pass as time expired to lift Carolina over the San Diego Chargers. On Sunday, the tight end made the most of Antonio Gates’ absence by catching three TD passes for the first time in his NFL career.

“He likes catching touchdowns here,” quarterback Philip Rivers, who threw scoring passes of 11 and 4 yards to Rosario on the first two possessions by the Chargers (2-0) and then hit the wide-open tight end on a 15-yarder in the third quarter, told The Associated Press.

“I thought he was phenomenal. He went out and did what was asked of him,” said Gates, who was a game-time scratch due to a rib he injured in the season-opening win at Oakland. “He just tore it up today. Things happen in mysterious ways, man. It might have been meant for Dante to have this game. I’m very happy for him.”

Half of Rosario’s eight career TD catches have been at Qualcomm Stadium.

“This ranks higher because I’m a Charger,” Rosario said when asked to compare Sunday’s game with the one in 2008 when his scoring catch beat San Diego.

“I always prepare like it’s going to be a big week, but Gates was kind of a last-second decision, so it wasn’t a sure thing that I was going to take the number of reps that I did today.”

Turner said Rosario was signed as a free agent because Gates has missed time in recent seasons with injuries.

“From Day One, the thing I noticed with Dante is he’s an easy guy to throw to,” Rivers said on Monday. “He’s real smooth, real natural, an easy guy to feel.”

The Chargers face Atlanta -- and former OSU running back Jacquizz Rodgers -- on Sunday